Ellsworth Air Force Base

Ellsworth Air Force Base. It is a major installation of the United States Air Force located near Rapid City, South Dakota. The base serves as a critical hub for long-range global strike operations and is home to the B-1B Lancer strategic bomber fleet. Its history spans from World War II training to its modern role within Air Combat Command.

History

The base was originally established in 1942 as Rapid City Army Air Base, serving as a training site for B-17 Flying Fortress crews during World War II. It was renamed in 1953 for Brigadier General Richard E. Ellsworth, who perished in a B-36 Peacemaker crash in Newfoundland. During the Cold War, it became a cornerstone of Strategic Air Command, hosting B-52 Stratofortress and Minuteman ICBM forces, placing it on the front lines of nuclear deterrence against the Soviet Union. Key historical events include its role during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the subsequent transition of its missile fields to the 44th Missile Wing.

Units and operations

The host unit is the 28th Bomb Wing, assigned to the Eighth Air Force under Air Combat Command. The wing's primary weapon system is the B-1B Lancer, operated by the 28th Operations Group. Supporting units include the 28th Maintenance Group and the 28th Mission Support Group. The base also hosts the 37th Bomb Squadron and the 34th Bomb Squadron, which conduct global missions in support of United States Strategic Command and United States Central Command. These units regularly deploy to locations like Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Facilities and infrastructure

The installation features one of the longest runways in the United States Air Force, capable of supporting heavy bomber operations. Its flight line and maintenance hangars are designed for the B-1B Lancer. The base includes extensive weapons storage areas, a large air traffic control tower, and simulator facilities for aircrew training. Historically significant facilities include the former Minuteman missile launch control centers dispersed across the surrounding Great Plains, which are now managed by the National Park Service as part of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

Role and significance

Ellsworth is a premier bomber base, providing the nation with a flexible, long-range global strike capability. The B-1B Lancer fleet is central to missions involving conventional warfare, close air support, and maritime interdiction. The base's strategic location in the north-central United States offers distinct operational advantages for rapid global response. Its continued modernization, including integration with the B-21 Raider program, ensures its pivotal role in future United States Department of Defense strategies and NATO alliance commitments.

Environmental and community relations

The base maintains an active program addressing environmental compliance, particularly concerning groundwater monitoring and cleanup of historic fuels contamination. It works closely with agencies like the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency. Community engagement is robust, highlighted by the annual Dakota Thunder air show and strong partnerships with the City of Rapid City and the Ellsworth Development Authority. These relationships are vital for regional economic impact and collaborative efforts on issues such as land use and noise abatement.

Category:United States Air Force bases Category:Buildings and structures in South Dakota